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Killer Colt: Murder, Disgrace, and the Making of an American Legend
With such acclaimed works as The Devil’s Gentleman, Harold Schechter has earned renown as the dean of true-crime historians. Now, in this gripping account of driving ambition, doomed love, and brutal murder in an iconic American family, Schechter again casts his gaze into the sinister shadows of gaslit nineteenth-century New York City.
In September 1841, a grisly discovery is made aboard a merchant ship docked in lower Manhattan: Deep in the cargo hold, bound with rope and covered with savage head wounds, lies a man’s naked corpse. While a murderer has taken pains to conceal his victim’s identity, it takes little time to determine that the dead man is Samuel Adams, proprietor of a local printing firm. And in less time still, witnesses and a bloody trail of clues lead investigators to the doorstep of the enigmatic John Colt.
The scion of a prosperous Connecticut family, Colt has defied his parents’ efforts to mold him into a gentleman—preferring to flout authority and pursue excitement. Ironically, it is the ordered science of accountancy that for a time lends him respectability. But now John Colt’s ghastly crime and the subsequent sensational murder trial bring infamy to his surname—even after it becomes synonymous with his visionary younger brother’s groundbreaking invention.
The embodiment of American success, Sam Colt has risen from poor huckster to industrious inventor. His greatest achievement, the revolver, will bring him untold millions even as it transforms the American West. In John’s hour of need, Sam rushes to his brother’s side—perhaps because of the secret they share.
In Gilded Age New York, a city awash with treacherous schemers, lurid dime-museum curiosities, and the tawdry excesses of penny-press journalism, the Colt-Adams affair inspires tabloid headlines of startling and gruesome hyperbole, which in turn drive legions of thrill-seekers to John Colt’s trial. The dramatic legal proceedings will fire the imagination of pioneering crime writer Edgar Allan Poe and fuel the righteous outrage of journalist Walt Whitman.
Killer Colt interweaves the intriguing stories of brooding, brilliant John and imaginative, enterprising Sam—sharp-witted and fascinating brothers on vastly divergent journeys, bound by an abiding mutual devotion and a mystery they will conceal to the end. Harold Schechter has mined the darkly macabre vein of a bygone era and brought forth a mother lode of storytelling gold.
In September 1841, a grisly discovery is made aboard a merchant ship docked in lower Manhattan: Deep in the cargo hold, bound with rope and covered with savage head wounds, lies a man’s naked corpse. While a murderer has taken pains to conceal his victim’s identity, it takes little time to determine that the dead man is Samuel Adams, proprietor of a local printing firm. And in less time still, witnesses and a bloody trail of clues lead investigators to the doorstep of the enigmatic John Colt.
The scion of a prosperous Connecticut family, Colt has defied his parents’ efforts to mold him into a gentleman—preferring to flout authority and pursue excitement. Ironically, it is the ordered science of accountancy that for a time lends him respectability. But now John Colt’s ghastly crime and the subsequent sensational murder trial bring infamy to his surname—even after it becomes synonymous with his visionary younger brother’s groundbreaking invention.
The embodiment of American success, Sam Colt has risen from poor huckster to industrious inventor. His greatest achievement, the revolver, will bring him untold millions even as it transforms the American West. In John’s hour of need, Sam rushes to his brother’s side—perhaps because of the secret they share.
In Gilded Age New York, a city awash with treacherous schemers, lurid dime-museum curiosities, and the tawdry excesses of penny-press journalism, the Colt-Adams affair inspires tabloid headlines of startling and gruesome hyperbole, which in turn drive legions of thrill-seekers to John Colt’s trial. The dramatic legal proceedings will fire the imagination of pioneering crime writer Edgar Allan Poe and fuel the righteous outrage of journalist Walt Whitman.
Killer Colt interweaves the intriguing stories of brooding, brilliant John and imaginative, enterprising Sam—sharp-witted and fascinating brothers on vastly divergent journeys, bound by an abiding mutual devotion and a mystery they will conceal to the end. Harold Schechter has mined the darkly macabre vein of a bygone era and brought forth a mother lode of storytelling gold.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2010
36 people are currently reading
1098 people want to read
About the author
Harold Schechter
84 books1,400 followersAka Jon A. Harrald (joint pseudonym with Jonna Gormley Semeiks)
Harold Schechter is a true crime writer who specializes in serial killers. He attended the State University of New York in Buffalo, where he obtained a Ph.D. A resident of New York City, Schechter is professor of American literature and popular culture at Queens College of the City University of New York.
Among his nonfiction works are the historical true-crime classics Fatal, Fiend, Deviant, Deranged, and Depraved. He also authors a critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Edgar Allan Poe, which includes The Hum Bug and Nevermore and The Mask of Red Death.
Schechter is married to poet Kimiko Hahn. He has two daughters from a previous marriage: the writer Lauren Oliver and professor of philosophy Elizabeth Schechter.
Harold Schechter is a true crime writer who specializes in serial killers. He attended the State University of New York in Buffalo, where he obtained a Ph.D. A resident of New York City, Schechter is professor of American literature and popular culture at Queens College of the City University of New York.
Among his nonfiction works are the historical true-crime classics Fatal, Fiend, Deviant, Deranged, and Depraved. He also authors a critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Edgar Allan Poe, which includes The Hum Bug and Nevermore and The Mask of Red Death.
Schechter is married to poet Kimiko Hahn. He has two daughters from a previous marriage: the writer Lauren Oliver and professor of philosophy Elizabeth Schechter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 29, 2011
This was a strange book—by turns interesting and exasperating. The major problem with Harold Schechter’s “Killer Colt” is that it is really two books, one fairly good, and one not so good at all. The last half is a (sometimes fascinating) account of the arrest and trial of John Colt, brother of the famous arms inventor, Samuel Colt, for the sensational 1841 Samuel Adams murder that inspired an Edgar Allen Poe story and numerous other publications. But before we get to that point, we’re forced to wade through 110 pages which constitute a haphazard chronicle of the Colt family (mostly focused on Samuel) and associated historical personalities, wherein the author continually jumps back and forth between characters, constantly interrupts the narrative (when there is one to be found) in order to provide biographical and historical sketches of every new figure or place he introduces, however trivial, and repeatedly drops tantalizing hints about the murder that is ultimately to take place but of which we as yet know nothing. The latter practice is presumably performed to keep our interest up during the overlong preamble to the crime. Yet, after about the third or fourth reference to the event, I felt like screaming “Enough already! Tell us what’s going to happen or shut up about it until it does!” The author also has an annoying habit of employing unnecessary quotations. In some passages, there is often a word or phrase in almost every sentence that is enclosed in quotation marks, but they are seldom necessary—just a lazy way to integrate source material and a time-honored ploy used to lend a text the appearance of scholarly rigor, and I’m surprised the editor didn’t demand revisions.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the book is that it spends so much time following Samuel Colt’s life (which was my real interest in reading the book)that we are led to think that after the trial of his brother the narrative is going to return to Samuel and tell us about his invention of the repeating six-gun and the remainder of his life, but after a painstakingly detailed account of his early years, his family, and his mostly unsuccessful efforts at manufacturing and promoting repeating firearms and underwater explosives, we get a mere mention at the end of the book that after “Hayes’ Big Fight” Samuel produced a six-shooter which won the fame and wealth he had been striving for all along. In fact, when I finally finished the book, the end was so abrupt I couldn’t believe I wasn’t missing a chapter or two.
I think what we have in “Killer Colt” is a misguided attempt to capitalize on the current popularity of “Murder in the White City” kind of chronicles, which deftly weave multiple storylines into a compelling glimpse at a lost era. But this book doesn’t pull it off: if you’re interested in Samuel Colt, there are surely other biographies that tell his story better than this one; and if you’re interested in the “Salted Corpse Murder,” then hunt down a book devoted to the crime or skip right to chapter 21 in this book. If you’re up to reading “Killer Colt” in its entirety, then prepare to be annoyed as often as you are engaged.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the book is that it spends so much time following Samuel Colt’s life (which was my real interest in reading the book)that we are led to think that after the trial of his brother the narrative is going to return to Samuel and tell us about his invention of the repeating six-gun and the remainder of his life, but after a painstakingly detailed account of his early years, his family, and his mostly unsuccessful efforts at manufacturing and promoting repeating firearms and underwater explosives, we get a mere mention at the end of the book that after “Hayes’ Big Fight” Samuel produced a six-shooter which won the fame and wealth he had been striving for all along. In fact, when I finally finished the book, the end was so abrupt I couldn’t believe I wasn’t missing a chapter or two.
I think what we have in “Killer Colt” is a misguided attempt to capitalize on the current popularity of “Murder in the White City” kind of chronicles, which deftly weave multiple storylines into a compelling glimpse at a lost era. But this book doesn’t pull it off: if you’re interested in Samuel Colt, there are surely other biographies that tell his story better than this one; and if you’re interested in the “Salted Corpse Murder,” then hunt down a book devoted to the crime or skip right to chapter 21 in this book. If you’re up to reading “Killer Colt” in its entirety, then prepare to be annoyed as often as you are engaged.
September 18, 2010
I really have to start reading the book blurbs more carefully when I enter the Book Giveaways on GoodReads. This is the second book I have received that is not what I thought it was when I signed up. I thought this book was about Samuel Colt and the invention of the Colt Revolver, a nice segue from the previous Giveaway, "They Rode for the Lonestar"; the Texas Rangers having made the Colt Revolver famous.
Instead, this book is about John Colt, Samuel’s brother, and the murder he committed for which he was tried and condemned. To make things more confusing, throughout the book both brother’s lives are described in tandem, switching back and forth between them, leaving the reader to wonder just exactly who the book is about. Or is it both of them? A nice little twist at the end, which I won’t reveal, explains how and why the brothers’ lives were so entwined despite their very different temperaments, professions and places of residence.
Both brothers are interesting, but I was particularly fascinated by John. Growing up, he was a cut-up and ne’er-do-well who as an adult finally found his calling as an accountant. None of the accountants that I know could be even remotely described as rabble-rousers. They are all terribly straitlaced and conventional. John Colt, despite his troubled past, was not only a good accountant, but he also wrote a book on accounting that was so popular it went through nine editions. It was the final edition of the book, "The Science of Double Entry Book-Keeping", that was the cause of the quarrel between him and Samuel Adams, his printer, that resulted in the murder of Mr. Adams. Fully half of the Killer Colt is devoted to the trial of John Colt.
I was also unaware that the author, Harold Schechter, is a noted writer of true crime books. Not normally a fan of true crime books, I was pleasantly surprised that Mr. Schechter writes from a historical point of view rather than the usual lurid and titillating approach typical of that genre. He quotes extensively from the contemporary press to provide the emotional color of the trial. He provides enough background on the City (Manhattan), the press and the various figures involved to allow the reader to fully appreciate the crime, the trial and the emotions swirling around them.
I am a huge fan of history so I loved this book. Through it, I gained a snapshot view of a particular time and place and really felt like I was able to enter into the lives and feelings of the people populating the narrative.
Instead, this book is about John Colt, Samuel’s brother, and the murder he committed for which he was tried and condemned. To make things more confusing, throughout the book both brother’s lives are described in tandem, switching back and forth between them, leaving the reader to wonder just exactly who the book is about. Or is it both of them? A nice little twist at the end, which I won’t reveal, explains how and why the brothers’ lives were so entwined despite their very different temperaments, professions and places of residence.
Both brothers are interesting, but I was particularly fascinated by John. Growing up, he was a cut-up and ne’er-do-well who as an adult finally found his calling as an accountant. None of the accountants that I know could be even remotely described as rabble-rousers. They are all terribly straitlaced and conventional. John Colt, despite his troubled past, was not only a good accountant, but he also wrote a book on accounting that was so popular it went through nine editions. It was the final edition of the book, "The Science of Double Entry Book-Keeping", that was the cause of the quarrel between him and Samuel Adams, his printer, that resulted in the murder of Mr. Adams. Fully half of the Killer Colt is devoted to the trial of John Colt.
I was also unaware that the author, Harold Schechter, is a noted writer of true crime books. Not normally a fan of true crime books, I was pleasantly surprised that Mr. Schechter writes from a historical point of view rather than the usual lurid and titillating approach typical of that genre. He quotes extensively from the contemporary press to provide the emotional color of the trial. He provides enough background on the City (Manhattan), the press and the various figures involved to allow the reader to fully appreciate the crime, the trial and the emotions swirling around them.
I am a huge fan of history so I loved this book. Through it, I gained a snapshot view of a particular time and place and really felt like I was able to enter into the lives and feelings of the people populating the narrative.
September 10, 2010
Schechter takes us through this fascinating history of John Colt, brother of Sam Colt of the legendary Colt arm manufacturing business. What makes this so interesting is not necessarily the crime itself, which was gruesome enough, but the day to day history of the time. It is a great look into the mid-1800's New York: the people, the places, the reactions of the time.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaway.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaway.
April 3, 2018
I have a number of books on my shelves/Kindle by Schechter. This is the first one I have actually focused on and finished.
It was better than I thought it would be.
We see Samuel Adams before he storms off to see John Colt and I think we saw John Colt before Sam Adams stormed into his rooms. Adams was a publisher - barely eking out a living. Colt is of questionable character (if I recall correctly) and has written on a book on double-entry bookkeeping. Adams agrees to publish it. What is apparently left up in the air is who is to receive the proceeds of said book. Adams thinks he is and Colt thinks he is and that Adams is keeping questionable books.
As if we couldn't tell, disaster is about to happen (oh, look at the title!) and Mr. Adams is about to end up dead. Primarily because he chose to have this argument in a closed room. Too bad they didn't meet in a tavern or in the street, somewhere public. But in a closed room anything can happen and there aren't many witnesses.
A fair amount of the book seemed to me to be devoted to the trial. And I found it fascinating. A brother, Samuel Colt soon to be famous for his guns, stands by him while other brothers appear to be missing from the scene, possibly for good reasons or just because they didn't want to be tainted.
I'll have to actually read some of the other books I have by Schechter. He made this much more interesting than I thought it was going to be at the start.
It was better than I thought it would be.
We see Samuel Adams before he storms off to see John Colt and I think we saw John Colt before Sam Adams stormed into his rooms. Adams was a publisher - barely eking out a living. Colt is of questionable character (if I recall correctly) and has written on a book on double-entry bookkeeping. Adams agrees to publish it. What is apparently left up in the air is who is to receive the proceeds of said book. Adams thinks he is and Colt thinks he is and that Adams is keeping questionable books.
As if we couldn't tell, disaster is about to happen (oh, look at the title!) and Mr. Adams is about to end up dead. Primarily because he chose to have this argument in a closed room. Too bad they didn't meet in a tavern or in the street, somewhere public. But in a closed room anything can happen and there aren't many witnesses.
A fair amount of the book seemed to me to be devoted to the trial. And I found it fascinating. A brother, Samuel Colt soon to be famous for his guns, stands by him while other brothers appear to be missing from the scene, possibly for good reasons or just because they didn't want to be tainted.
I'll have to actually read some of the other books I have by Schechter. He made this much more interesting than I thought it was going to be at the start.
September 20, 2010
In September 1841, the cargo of an outbound ship in New York harbor was searched. As expected, a corpse was found sealed in a crate. And John C. Colt, brother of gun-maker Samuel Colt, was suspected of murder.
Although just a blip in general American history, this story of a 19th century murder is fascinating. If you don't know whether or not John committed murder, if you don't know this story, as I didn't, I'm not going to ruin the surprise.
This book was well researched, with comprehensive end notes, even though the copy I read was an uncorrected proof. As such, it had fewer mistakes than I've come to expect in proofs, and I expect the book as published will be very well edited.
In the beginning, while alternating between John's and Samuel's stories, I had to pay close attention to know which story I was reading. That got much easier as the book progressed. I enjoyed the details about Samuel's inventions, both the successful and unsuccessful, and appreciated his loyalty to his brother. I get frustrated, as do so many people, with what now passes for objective journalism. This book proves that it was no better more than 150 years ago.
The book was, in some areas, too detailed for me, and with too many long quotes. The language of the author seemed too formal, more like it had been written in the time of the murder. Nevertheless, I want to read more of the author's earlier works. For readers interested in the history of the time, this is a very enlightening read.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through the Goodreads First Reads program.
Although just a blip in general American history, this story of a 19th century murder is fascinating. If you don't know whether or not John committed murder, if you don't know this story, as I didn't, I'm not going to ruin the surprise.
This book was well researched, with comprehensive end notes, even though the copy I read was an uncorrected proof. As such, it had fewer mistakes than I've come to expect in proofs, and I expect the book as published will be very well edited.
In the beginning, while alternating between John's and Samuel's stories, I had to pay close attention to know which story I was reading. That got much easier as the book progressed. I enjoyed the details about Samuel's inventions, both the successful and unsuccessful, and appreciated his loyalty to his brother. I get frustrated, as do so many people, with what now passes for objective journalism. This book proves that it was no better more than 150 years ago.
The book was, in some areas, too detailed for me, and with too many long quotes. The language of the author seemed too formal, more like it had been written in the time of the murder. Nevertheless, I want to read more of the author's earlier works. For readers interested in the history of the time, this is a very enlightening read.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through the Goodreads First Reads program.
September 15, 2010
This is an amzing story of the Colt family, one the inventor of a repeating firearm, the revolver. The story centers on the two Colt brothers: Sam and John. John, an author of accounting and finance manuals, plunges the family name into notority by his arrest for murder. The case and various endeavors to free John show the power of the newspaper, which is also a theme in Sharyn McCrumb's The Devil Amonst the Lawyers. That a newspaper has the power to control the outcome of any event is devastating. I have never read Schechter, and found his relating of the story done well, with many tidbits of history thrown into the story. At times, the jumping around to various characters proved confusing. The fact the Sam Colt had so many setbacks, but still continued his quest for the repeating revolver seemed amazing. Sam also invented battery operated explosives for use in water, to thwart enemy ships. The story also contains many poems and ballads and much mention of Edgar Allen Poe, and other writers of the time-the 1840's. An interesting look into the emergence of America during the 1840's.
October 16, 2010
One of the most sensational trials of the nineteenth century and the media frenzy it created is told in the story Killer Colt. What made this trial a sensation was the very public profile of the defendant's younger brother; Sam Colt - inventor of the first repeating revolver. And also this story has a tragic ending that would be a headliner in today's tabloids.
Harold Schechter is the premier historical true crime writer today. And while Killer Colt was slower going at first then some of Mr. Schechter's other books, it was still worth reading. And I give this a 5 star rating because it is an exceptional look at the justice system, media portrayal of the defendant, and the aftermath that will surprise the reader.
After reading several of Schechter's books I would recommend any of his books for the historical true crime fan. It is fascinating to find out about those long ago crimes that shocked the nation!
Killer Colt: Murder, Disgrace, and the Making of an American Legend
Harold Schechter is the premier historical true crime writer today. And while Killer Colt was slower going at first then some of Mr. Schechter's other books, it was still worth reading. And I give this a 5 star rating because it is an exceptional look at the justice system, media portrayal of the defendant, and the aftermath that will surprise the reader.
After reading several of Schechter's books I would recommend any of his books for the historical true crime fan. It is fascinating to find out about those long ago crimes that shocked the nation!
Killer Colt: Murder, Disgrace, and the Making of an American Legend
September 11, 2010
Firstreads winner.
I applied for this book on a whim, but I'm really glad I won it. It's a very engaging read, suspenseful and exiting. The beginning was a little uneven, as Schechter bounces back and forth between the various Colt siblings and goes off on tangents that don't always hold interest, but once he gets to depictions of the murder, the trial, and it's aftermath, I could barely put the book down. This is one of those instances where the truth is stranger than fiction, and while the crime itself does not seem that out of the ordinary, the trial is full of twists and turns, as is Colt's personal life. It's also interesting to see the beginnings of forensic science and celebrity culture. Schechter is able to make a 170 year old story feel like yesterday's news, and he brings to life some incredible characters in American history.
I applied for this book on a whim, but I'm really glad I won it. It's a very engaging read, suspenseful and exiting. The beginning was a little uneven, as Schechter bounces back and forth between the various Colt siblings and goes off on tangents that don't always hold interest, but once he gets to depictions of the murder, the trial, and it's aftermath, I could barely put the book down. This is one of those instances where the truth is stranger than fiction, and while the crime itself does not seem that out of the ordinary, the trial is full of twists and turns, as is Colt's personal life. It's also interesting to see the beginnings of forensic science and celebrity culture. Schechter is able to make a 170 year old story feel like yesterday's news, and he brings to life some incredible characters in American history.
September 24, 2010
An exciting, gripping book: Killer Colt is the very well-written true story of John C. Colt's trial for murder.
Most people have heard of his brother, Samuel, inventor of the Colt pistol. But John Colt was as infamous in his day as Samuel would be famous. This book brings to life the scandals surrounding John's trial--an event as widely publicized and debated as our most famous modern trials.
Schechter draws a complete picture of the political and social atmosphere that influenced (and was influenced by) the trial. Authors, abolitionists, Congressmen and popular entertainers all enter into the story and add the color that can only come from the best non-fiction.
I won my copy of Killer Colt through First Reads.
Most people have heard of his brother, Samuel, inventor of the Colt pistol. But John Colt was as infamous in his day as Samuel would be famous. This book brings to life the scandals surrounding John's trial--an event as widely publicized and debated as our most famous modern trials.
Schechter draws a complete picture of the political and social atmosphere that influenced (and was influenced by) the trial. Authors, abolitionists, Congressmen and popular entertainers all enter into the story and add the color that can only come from the best non-fiction.
I won my copy of Killer Colt through First Reads.
October 1, 2015
I had never heard of John Colt before I picked up this book, but I found his story fascinating and, at times, incredible. In fact, if I had encountered this story in a novel I probably would have quit reading in eye-rolling disbelief. That the story happened in an era we tend to regard as more restrained and straitlaced than our own just proves that the more things change, etc. etc.
I am in awe of the scholarship that must have gone into writing this book, and I admire how the author presented his facts without ever losing the narrative in extraneous detail. The research is clearly there, but the book moves along at a fast clip and is never less than absorbing. Well done.
I am in awe of the scholarship that must have gone into writing this book, and I admire how the author presented his facts without ever losing the narrative in extraneous detail. The research is clearly there, but the book moves along at a fast clip and is never less than absorbing. Well done.
July 20, 2011
superb writing- gripping- captures period so very well!!!
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
June 23, 2024
The rest of the story
Well written and informative read about the first half of the 1800’s.
The contrast of the times is stark with women having no rights or opportunities, and corruption and religion being major themes in the “penny press” of the time.
The roots of a fortune were built on supplying the military even back then, with a major difference in the selection process. Warfare was between armies, not the entire populace of your enemies.
Well written and informative read about the first half of the 1800’s.
The contrast of the times is stark with women having no rights or opportunities, and corruption and religion being major themes in the “penny press” of the time.
The roots of a fortune were built on supplying the military even back then, with a major difference in the selection process. Warfare was between armies, not the entire populace of your enemies.
May 9, 2024
Really Good Book
This was a really good read. I had no knowledge of Samuel Colt beyond his invention. The love he had for his brother is a pull on the heart and gives some ideas of how the history of our country was shaped. The book is thought provoking, entertaining, and enlightening.
This was a really good read. I had no knowledge of Samuel Colt beyond his invention. The love he had for his brother is a pull on the heart and gives some ideas of how the history of our country was shaped. The book is thought provoking, entertaining, and enlightening.
September 9, 2025
I didnt hate it
This book offers a compelling blend of vivid characters and engaging plot, though occasionally pacing falters. Its rich themes provoke thought, making it a worthwhile read for fans of thoughtful storytelling
This book offers a compelling blend of vivid characters and engaging plot, though occasionally pacing falters. Its rich themes provoke thought, making it a worthwhile read for fans of thoughtful storytelling
September 17, 2023
Once they found the body, I could not put it down until I finished it.
September 14, 2010
I won this through a goodreads giveaway. As a history nerd I was really excited by the premise. Harold Sschecter's name seemed familiar to me when I entered the giveaway. When I got the book and read about him I realized I had seen him on Investigation Discovery or The History Channel. As an expert on serial killers. Let me also say here that I do have possibly morbid interest in serial killers. My favorite show running now is Showtime's Dexter which was adapted from a book series by Jeff Lindsay. Another coincidence was that the day after winning this book despite my initial elation was a slight disappointment that I wouldn't stand a chance of winning the ARC of the next book in that series which was up for grabs in a giveaway the very next day. In the end though I am happier to have won Killer Colt ; Because I will read the Dexter book anyway. This is a non-fiction book, of an 1800's murder mystery involving Sam Colt. The creator of the colt revolver - the first repeating weapon of its kind. Now the idea that the creator of the Colt would be a killer is not at all surprising when you think about it. Still reading this story I couldn't help but wonder why no one in Hollywood has made this into a feature film, if not a an honest bio-pic it seems the perfect target for a film to be 'loosely based on' as they say. I read quite a bit of non-fiction books in my spare time but not much in the genre of true crime. This was extremely detailed and informative - so from that perspective it was very well done. Although I would also admit that had it been a little less so, for the sake of a more narrative style I would have probably enjoyed it more. All that said this is top quality stuff and for fans of true crime this will educate and entertain.
April 30, 2013
I have to confess to being disappointed with this book. I have read a number of Harold Schechter's books, and he has a real talent for bringing a time and a place to life via the retelling of historical murder cases. However, the problem I found with this book is that the murder was really not all that remarkable, and to my mind all that elevated this case above other such run-of-the-mill cases was the identity of the murderer's brother, the famous Samuel Colt of the Colt pistol fame. If John Colt had not been Sam Colt's brother I think this case would have faded from the public view and historical record like many other cases.
The book alternates the story of John Colt with the story of his brother Sam Colt's efforts to get official backing for his military experiments, from his reloading pistols and rifles to his early versions of the torpedo. I found this side of the story far more interesting, but once John Colt went to trial Sam's story was pushed to one side.
The main issue with this book, and the case against John Colt, is that there was no denying he killed his publisher, Samuel Adams, and attempted to dispose of the body. He was guilty of that, no question. The issue was whether it was premeditated murder or manslaughter in self-defence and the legal wrangling thereof, and this just failed to hold my interest. Regardless of whether he intended it or not, there was no doubt that he killed Samuel Adams, so there was no mystery to solve other than one of motive - and I felt this book entirely failed to penetrate John Colt's motives, indeed I felt it failed to illuminate very much about John or Sam Colt at all.
The book alternates the story of John Colt with the story of his brother Sam Colt's efforts to get official backing for his military experiments, from his reloading pistols and rifles to his early versions of the torpedo. I found this side of the story far more interesting, but once John Colt went to trial Sam's story was pushed to one side.
The main issue with this book, and the case against John Colt, is that there was no denying he killed his publisher, Samuel Adams, and attempted to dispose of the body. He was guilty of that, no question. The issue was whether it was premeditated murder or manslaughter in self-defence and the legal wrangling thereof, and this just failed to hold my interest. Regardless of whether he intended it or not, there was no doubt that he killed Samuel Adams, so there was no mystery to solve other than one of motive - and I felt this book entirely failed to penetrate John Colt's motives, indeed I felt it failed to illuminate very much about John or Sam Colt at all.
September 14, 2010
I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads program. It's the story of two brothers: Samuel Colt, whose passion in life was firearms, and John Colt, whose passion in life was bookkeeping. Sam's claim to fame was his invention of iconic weaponry. John's claim to fame was murder.
Told with a swift pace and an edge of subtle humor (I couldn't help chuckling at some of the examples of Sam Colt's curious spelling), the stage is set for the crime and its resulting sensation in the press and public. A variety of tasty tidbits of colorful historical detail of the time lend much flavor: there's soppy poetry and tawdry ballads, museums filled with oddities, ladies committing tragic suicide, nitrous oxide stage shows, space jelly, textbooks on accounting (I know you're excited now!), plenty of pistols and cannons and underwater mines, dramatically overblown journalism, description of unfair prison conditions, and examples of other juicy murder cases of the day. The account of the trial grows in excitement as when it occurred, tension mounting between the chapters as it did between newspaper reports. The murder and trial went on to offer inspiration to stories "The Oblong Box" by Edgar Allan Poe and "Bartleby, the Scrivener" by Herman Melville, as well as a number of early conspiracy theories.
Told with a swift pace and an edge of subtle humor (I couldn't help chuckling at some of the examples of Sam Colt's curious spelling), the stage is set for the crime and its resulting sensation in the press and public. A variety of tasty tidbits of colorful historical detail of the time lend much flavor: there's soppy poetry and tawdry ballads, museums filled with oddities, ladies committing tragic suicide, nitrous oxide stage shows, space jelly, textbooks on accounting (I know you're excited now!), plenty of pistols and cannons and underwater mines, dramatically overblown journalism, description of unfair prison conditions, and examples of other juicy murder cases of the day. The account of the trial grows in excitement as when it occurred, tension mounting between the chapters as it did between newspaper reports. The murder and trial went on to offer inspiration to stories "The Oblong Box" by Edgar Allan Poe and "Bartleby, the Scrivener" by Herman Melville, as well as a number of early conspiracy theories.
March 24, 2014
I've fallen off my "True Crime" wagon as far as reading goes. Taht said, "True Crime" or not, Harold Schechter has always been one of my favourite authors, and the only author to give me nightmares. This one is from 2010, and despite being more tame crime wise compared to his earlier works, it's no less fascinating. This tells the story of James and Sam Colt. Sam will event the first revolver, and change the world. James will kill a man over money. The story and trial are one of the first to be picked up by news papers and sensationalized to a whipped up public eager for the gruesome details. So once again, by exploring the ways of a bygone age, Schechter manages to tell a story that speaks to our modern age that still hungers for the lurid in their press, only more so now that we have the immediate dissemination of information via the internet. So what this lacks in shock and horror, it more than makes up for with a genuinely interesting story.
3.5/5, if only Goodreads allowed half stars.
3.5/5, if only Goodreads allowed half stars.
October 2, 2010
Extensively researched non-fiction story about the Colt family, one brother Samuel Colt who namesake is still present on handguns and was the inventor of the revolver; the other his infamous older brother John C. Colt convicted of murder. I found the book informative and interesting in parts, but just a little disjointed as to who the book was truly focused on. If it was John Colt, then the name of the book certainly makes sense, however there were large sections of the book devoted to Sam. In the end, the Colt family could not escape tragedy after tragedy, akin to the Kennedy's of the 20th century. Sam eventually found amazing success and became an industrial giant, but died of gout and rheumatic fever at the age of 47. Also, I found the book to be a walking time-line of quotations and poems found through research, lacking as a result much literary depth from the author. I won this book through the Goodreads giveaway, so for that I am truly grateful for the experience.
November 30, 2013
The story was interesting - and one I had never heard before.
I knew of Sam Colt in relation to the guns and it was definitely interesting to hear more about his family. I wasn't aware he had a brother who had committed a crime much less had a trial that can only be compared to OJ Simpson, Scott Peterson, etc.
However, the book was so difficult to get through. I had to reread many passages more than once. Now, I have talked before about how I struggle to read nonfiction since going through chemo. However, I push through these books (even though it's so tough for me) as a way to get my brain working again!
It took a long time to finish this book. I had to renew it several times! I think more fascinating to me was the treatment of the case in the press - not the murder, the trial, but how it was handled.
Interesting read, but not my favorite. If you love history and crime though, I think this book would be right up your alley!
I knew of Sam Colt in relation to the guns and it was definitely interesting to hear more about his family. I wasn't aware he had a brother who had committed a crime much less had a trial that can only be compared to OJ Simpson, Scott Peterson, etc.
However, the book was so difficult to get through. I had to reread many passages more than once. Now, I have talked before about how I struggle to read nonfiction since going through chemo. However, I push through these books (even though it's so tough for me) as a way to get my brain working again!
It took a long time to finish this book. I had to renew it several times! I think more fascinating to me was the treatment of the case in the press - not the murder, the trial, but how it was handled.
Interesting read, but not my favorite. If you love history and crime though, I think this book would be right up your alley!
September 13, 2010
A well written account of the lives of Samuel And John Colt. The story is laid out in facts, quotes and myths from the era. All information contained and cited is well documented in the back of the book. The material seamlessly flows with an incredible amount of detail. Does not lack in any piece of substantial information. A must read for all true crime enthusiasts, especially of the victorian era. A well written account of the lives of Samuel And John Colt. The story is laid out in facts, quotes and myths from the era. All information contained and cited is well documented in the back of the book. The material seamlessly flows with an incredible amount of detail. Does not lack in any piece of substantial information. A must read for all true crime enthusiasts, especially of the victorian era.
October 24, 2010
Schechter's book was well-researched and contained a wealth of interesting information, but the presentation was very dry. As a research volume, the book was excellent, but in terms of entertainment it came up a bit short. The period details were fascinating and meticulously reported right down to the clothing worn by the key figures. The book examines the role of the media in influencing the outcome of a criminal trial in the mid-1800s, an issue which remains relevant today in spite of more rigorous attempts to shelter members of the jury from public opinion. While the redundancy of information presented at the trial almost stopped me reading once the verdict was delivered, I am glad that I completed the book, as the post-trial happenings provided a bit of a surprise. This should please those who are fascinated by the minutiae of history in general, and true crime, in particular.
October 3, 2010
This book is about a murder and subsequent trial involving Sam Colt's brother John. (Sam Colt invented the revolver.) There is no doubt that John Colt murdered Samuel Adams. The trial was only to determine if the murder was premeditated. The book covers Sam Colt's life and explores the role of the press in trials. Like today, with the popularity of "if it bleeds it leads" television, celebrity murder in the 1840's provided a way to drive newspaper and pamphlet sales. Did it also influence the jury's decision?
The pace is a bit uneven. Some parts were quite interesting so I raced to turn the pages but other sections read like a school report. I might have put it down half finished if I hadn't won it as a Goodreads first-read book. I'm glad I didn't as some surprising twists are revealed in the final chapters.
The pace is a bit uneven. Some parts were quite interesting so I raced to turn the pages but other sections read like a school report. I might have put it down half finished if I hadn't won it as a Goodreads first-read book. I'm glad I didn't as some surprising twists are revealed in the final chapters.
September 16, 2010
Enjoyed this. The author's writing style is quite dry, but that suits the lurid subject matter. Most importantly, this book is rather timely in its examination of the role of the press, sensationalist or otherwise, in shaping the public's view of criminal trials. I also found fascinating the way in which the different degrees of homicide were determined, as well as the legal language employed in that era.
As to the subject of the Colt family itself, I was greatly impressed by Samuel Colt's perseverance in the face of constant setbacks. It's hard not to be caught up in the dysfunctional, yet all-too-human dynamics of the family, as well. This book is definitely a solid entry to the true crime genre, reporting sympathetically and deftly without resorting to the titillation which it is clearly against.
I received this book gratis as part of Goodreads' First Reads program.
As to the subject of the Colt family itself, I was greatly impressed by Samuel Colt's perseverance in the face of constant setbacks. It's hard not to be caught up in the dysfunctional, yet all-too-human dynamics of the family, as well. This book is definitely a solid entry to the true crime genre, reporting sympathetically and deftly without resorting to the titillation which it is clearly against.
I received this book gratis as part of Goodreads' First Reads program.
October 17, 2010
I won this book from Goodreads. True crime is not my genre of choice, and I haven't read any of Schechter's other novels, but I found this book to be moderately enjoyable. I hadn't realized Samuel Colt's brother, John, was well known as a murderer, or that his trial was such a public spectacle. The novel is full of interesting facts about the time period, all of which are well documented. For those who enjoy learning about history and true crime, I would definitely recommend this book. However, at times I found the amount of information to be overwhelming or only loosely related to the larger story. The author frequently interrupts the flow of the story to talk about the source his information came from. While this serves to show the information the author provides is true and reliable, for me the frequent interruptions were distracting and detracted from the reading experience.
September 26, 2010
Killer Colt is a great non-fiction crime story about the brother of the famous Sam Colt and a grisly murder. The book does a great job of showing how this murder interweaves with the tragic and triumphant Colt family and also paints a great picture of the times (early to mid 1800s), showing all too well that our current blood lust and love of a media frenzy are nothing new.
For me this is 4 stars instead of 5 because it tends to get a bit bogged down in details and wordiness, which sometimes lessened the impact of major events in the story. From a true historical perspective, the details are great, but I tend to prefer a faster paced story.
I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads program and my review is based on an advance uncorrected proof.
For me this is 4 stars instead of 5 because it tends to get a bit bogged down in details and wordiness, which sometimes lessened the impact of major events in the story. From a true historical perspective, the details are great, but I tend to prefer a faster paced story.
I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads program and my review is based on an advance uncorrected proof.
March 18, 2012
An intriguing bit of hack work, it covers a murder in 1841 New York, perpetrated by John Colt, brother of arms revolutionary Samuel Colt, whose 45 helped kill many thousands more.
The mix of gore and society is interesting, and the details and presentation are good, but it's basically a quick run through the newspapers of the times with extensive quotes from articles, bad peotry and letters, along with tangential side-issues, all obviously inserted to take up space.
The final revelation, which doesn't touch on the murder itself, is genuinely shocking in a moral sense. Weirdly, the author doesn't seem to grasp the full significance of what it says about arms-icon Sam, making him far less a decent human being than his killer brother.
The mix of gore and society is interesting, and the details and presentation are good, but it's basically a quick run through the newspapers of the times with extensive quotes from articles, bad peotry and letters, along with tangential side-issues, all obviously inserted to take up space.
The final revelation, which doesn't touch on the murder itself, is genuinely shocking in a moral sense. Weirdly, the author doesn't seem to grasp the full significance of what it says about arms-icon Sam, making him far less a decent human being than his killer brother.
October 26, 2010
Fantastic, amazing, I loved it. The book would be especially interesting to anyone from New England, those interested in local history, influence of the media, crime/suspense novels and early nineteenth century America. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, it was a wholly pleasurable experience and I would definitely check out other books by Mr. Schechter. I've lived in the Hartford CT area for six years, and this book has really inspired me to go search out some of the sites where this macabre story takes place.
I received a copy of this book through the First Reads program. Thanks!!!
I received a copy of this book through the First Reads program. Thanks!!!
May 14, 2011
I had heard that this book was not as "strong" as Schechter's other historical true crime books and after reading it I don't understand why. I've enjoyed all of Schecter's books but this one strikes me as the most scholarly. Maybe readers disliked the fact that this book focused less on the crime than on the court case that followed. I enjoy Schechter's masterful mingling of historical research and storytelling. He has a keen eye for period details (although I thought he was a bit hard on 19th century women poets)and an almost novelistic way of drawing out a story that would have resonated with the people whose complex and almost unbelievable stories he tells.
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